Frtiz Hartley stands on a beaver dam and begins drag-over, a process he’ll repeat a dozen times this day.

David settles in for lunch on a rock, one of the few dry spots we find along the river.

Fritz Seegers (left) and Fritz Hartley chat about what’s ahead if we push over this next obstacle.

Beaver dams, blowdowns and log jams are plentiful on the west branch of the Peshekee River.

Craig Lake weather is moody.

The west branch of the Peshekee River is narrow and twisty with a number of pretty backwaters.

Craig Lake this way – a sign out on one of the trails.

Fritz and David get back in the canoe after exploring a rocky campsite.

Traveling with loaded boats looking for a campsite.

The portage to Crooked Lake is 3,000 feet long, but this canoe slide helps.

Craig Lake State Park in the west-central portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is referred to as one of the state’s most remote state parks. It is popular with day trippers, but far fewer come to canoe, camp and explore.